Mescalero Asks FCC for Path to Show It Qualifies for Tribal Opex Relief; Sacred Wind Also Files
Mescalero Apache Telecom petitioned the FCC to let the carrier show it qualifies for relief from operations expense (opex) limitations under an April order giving tribal-oriented carriers additional USF subsidy support. Mescalero sought to reconsider a prohibition against carriers receiving…
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the extra funding if they deploy 10/1 Mbps broadband to 90 percent or more of tribal housing units. The tribal telco asked "that, consistent with steps the Commission has taken with respect to other high-cost program rules limiting support based on Form 477 deployment data, carriers subject to the 90 percent condition be permitted to submit additional information" to get relief, said a petition Wednesday in docket 10-90. In April, Chairman Ajit Pai and tribal representatives voiced concern the order prevented Mescalero from receiving further funding (see 1804050028 and 1804060042). Mescalero recently lobbied an aide to Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, who sought conditions (see 1805230043). Sacred Wind Communications also filed a petition, asking the FCC Thursday to reconsider the 90 percent cap, and if not, its determination that Sacred Wind is ineligible for relief.